Well today it was hot, sunny and definitely a day to get out and about. I decided to visit Glasgow by train. During the journey I read the latest copy of the Metro (www.metro.co.uk). For those of you who are not in the know The Metro is one of those free daily newspapers that many countries now seem to have. Upon reading I came across the headline “Gangs target Officers on Social Sites”.Strathclyde Police who are Scotland’s largest force have been on a mission to root out bad eggs. According to released figures cases have leaped to 340, that doesn’t sound too bad I hear you say but considering that in 2001/02 the numbers were 68, the increase is alarming!
So you might wonder how the good guys are being targeted and subsequently turned to the dark side. Apparently gangs are monitoring social networking sites like Twitter, Bebo and Facebook. Once an officer is selected the gangs attempt to make an offer which many people may find difficult to refuse. I feel like I have been saying this for a long time but social networking sites are great but you have to remember it’s not just your friends who read them.
If you are a member of the security services or work in a sensitive or information rich environment then you have to take more care in what you write on these sites. Also do take care when compiling profiles, don’t give out too much information. Don’t go splashing photos of your family around etc. Finally don’t think that just because you are a Police officer or lawyer that you will not become a target. Many of these gangs have access to vast resources. Also don’t think that this is just a Scottish problem. The web and press are splattered with similar stories from forces and institutions worldwide. Hmm makes you think eh?
Join me in a quick overview of Microsoft Security Essentials. The new all in one security solution from Microsoft. Designed for home users MSE deliver world class Anti Malware and Anti Virus protection FREE of charge. In this short 12 min session I discuss the product along with an in-depth look at installation & configuration.
Now you, like me, you are one of millions of Microsoft Office users and like me you are probably waiting with great anticipation for the release of Office 14 or as it’s now known as Microsoft Office 2010.Well if you just can’t wait, then do not worry my friend as the Technical Beta is about to go live. This is normally an invitation only event, however by registering on the Office site you get to watch a snazzy movie and also sign up. Microsoft have been very careful not to spill the beans on what is in store for the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and so on and I am not going to risk my MVP by spilling them here. However needless to say I am sure it will be worth the wait.
I was recently speaking with a number of trainers and we went into speculation mode. We were delighted to hear that Office 2010 will be in both 32 &64bit version (at last). Now I have seen some of the awesome improvements to Outlook Web Access with Exchange 2010 and can only assume that Outlook will be as awesome. One of the big new technologies in Windows 7 is the “Touch” feature. So far there are only a handful of applications which work with this new technology Including he new version of Windows Paint. I would like to see PowerPoint 2010 added to this list.
Anyway with the Beta date fast approaching you won’t have to wait much longer. For more details on Office 2010 and to watch the movie click here! http://www.office2010themovie.com/
Latest News!
Office 2010 will be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Office 2010 will run on Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
You don’t need to replace hardware that is capable of running 2007, it will support Office 2010.
Groove becomes SharePoint Workspace.This is true. Please read the Groove SharePoint Workspace team blog here for the scoop. OneNote and SharePoint Workspace going into the ProPlus SKU
In my opinion one of the finest tools that Microsoft has produced in the past few years in the Planning & Assessment Toolkit. With the upcoming releases of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 this toolkit is an absolute must for Security and IT staff to get a complete inventory of hardware and software from a client
Also if you are a Microsoft partner of support professional then this is an absolute must for you. Microsoft have just released version 4.0 Beta of the kit which has been updated with the new OS feature set. For those of you who have never used the tool the Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 4.0 it is an integrated solution to enable support staff to identify servers, workstations, laptops and network devices within a network environment.
The kit can also work either within the framework of Active directory based organization or a simple workgroup. Using an agentless solution it quickly provides a detailed inventory report as well as a complete compatibility check for both hardware and software. Perfect if you are thinking of deploying Win 7 & R2 Server.
MAP Toolkit 4.0 Beta has the following new features:
Windows 7 Hardware and Device Compatibility Assessment
Windows Server 2008 R2 Hardware and Device Compatibility Assessment
Virtualization Candidates Assessment for Hyper-V R2 Server Consolidation
Integration with the Microsoft Integrated Virtualization ROI Calculator
Inventory of VMware Server Hosts and Guests
User Interface and Proposal Customization for Partner co-branding
Enhanced Usability and Improved Inventory Performance
Other features from version 3.2 have also been carried over to version 4.0:
Virtualization Candidates Assessment for Hyper-V Server Consolidation
Windows Vista Hardware and Device Compatibility Assessment
Windows Server 2008 Hardware and Device Compatibility Assessment
2007 Microsoft Office Readiness Assessment
SQL Server Instance Discovery
Desktop Security Assessment for Anti-virus and Anti-malware Programs Installation
Today I have been in development mode. Writing new sessions and putting together new presentations for our upcoming Cybercrime Security Forum 09 events. These kick off in Stockholm & Oslo in September followed by Copenhagen, Washington DC and 1 other US city in October. Finally we round things off in Cyprus and Greece in November. For more information visit our website here: www.divedeeperevents.com
Now we are always on the lookout for interesting places to bring our events to. So if you are interested in sponsoring wither a Cybercrime or Dive Deeper event be sure to contact us. Details are on the site above.
Now if you are a regular reader of my blog you will know that I have a particular interest in Spy gadgets. Well here are a couple of goodies. The first is a real James Bond gadget in the form of an encrypted phone. However this HTC Touch Diamond allows the user to make and receive encrypted phone calls thus protecting the caller from would be bad guys (or good guys) from listening in. This is just one of a whole new generation of phones designed to protect the user. Ideal for the would be spy, President or rock star.
Now my next toy is something that every boss will want to have on his desk. A portable lie detector. Designed with the latest technology this little gadget will detect even the smallest white lie and what’s more the client (er victim) will find the experience rather….shocking!
Finally if you think you have the most secure web site on Earth, well think again! Let me introduce Memorize Web Downloader. This baby will have your entire website complete with documents, secrets and FTP passwords before you can say James T Kirk!! Check out the free download here http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Offline-Browsers/Memorize-Website-Downloader.shtml
Well there you have it. What a great couple of days at the MCT Virtual Summit 09. I had 120 delegates attend my session. Thanks so much. Also in Terms of the TechNet Go Live event. I was down to help in a chat room. Hmm never seemed to work very well. They should speak to Asentus Europe, the MCT Summit portal with Live meeting is really good. As an MVP one of my benefits is a Live Meeting account. Now that is something I must start using. Virtual events here we come.
My slides and notes will be available for download within 24 hours. MCTs feel free to ping me with any questions. I am going to bed now, there is only so much vitual I can take. I even had a virtual beer!! a bit light though….
I have got a few busy days ahead and everything is going virtual! This week sees a couple of firsts. For MCTs that Microsoft Certified Trainers , this Thursday & Friday you have the opportunity to attend the world’s first MCT Virtual Summit. The event has been developed on a truly amazing platform and promises to deliver ground breaking content both LIVE and pre recorded from our Prague event earlier this year. The event will run for 2 days round the clock allowing MCTs worldwide to participate. I am also delighted to deliver an updated version of my Cybercrime session on Friday afternoon (GMT). Hope you can make it. For more details visit http://www.mctvirtualsummit.com/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx%3fpid%3d9&pid=9
Now if you are not an MCT then don’t worry because on Friday 19th November Microsoft TechNet are also hosting an online Virtual Conference. With loads of content for both IT Pros and developers alike. From Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 to the highly acclaimed Silverlight and Exchange 2010. There are hands on labs, Ask the Experts and presentations galore. Don’t miss out. Make sure you put Friday aside for learning. For more details and to register simply click the link https://msevents.microsoft.com/cui/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032417647&EventCategory=7&culture=en-GB&CountryCode=GB and happy viewing.
Just before I sign off a quick reminder that those nice folks from TechNet Springboard are hosting another Virtual Round table event this Thursday. In Part 2 of this Virtual Round Table discussion), we’ll discuss the options and approaches for using virtualization tools In depth to address application incompatibilities – including presentation virtualization, desktop virtualization and application virtualization. We’ll be sending out more details and posting information to www.microsoft.com/springboardAs part of the “virtual” experience, you may submit your questions about Windows 7 Application Compatibility to the panel live during the event-or submit questions in advance to vrtable@microsoft.com.
Event Details:
Title: Windows 7 Application Compatibility: Your Questions Answered (Part 1) Date: Thursday, June 18 Time: 11:00am Pacific Time URL for Live Broadcast:https://ms.istreamplanet.com/springboard (will not be live till 10:45 am PST on June 18th)
Well next week I am on the road again. Not too far though, as we bring the latest in our MasterClass series to Stirling. On Monday it’s a deep dive inside Windows 7 and then on Tuesday it’s the turn of its big brother Windows Server 2008 R2. Momentum is really growing now that the RTM date is fast approaching. RTM or Release to Manufacturing is when Microsoft signs off on a product and releases to the vendors as well as making it available to download from TechNet, MSDN and so on.
I am often asked how long does it take for a product to be available on OEM machines such as Dell, HP and so on. The rule of thumb is normally 3 months from RTM. In fact this date was recently announced as the 22nd October. I am sure that the Microsoft marketing teams will be gearing up for the big ye haa!!! Let’s face it; in the face of recession this may be just the thing to lift spirits, not to mention profits.
At TechEd 09 North America I recently mentioned the tool I discovered to clone hotel room keys . Well in my continuing quest for cool gadgets I recently came across this interesting kit. It’s basically everything you need to experiment with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards and tags. This little kit shows you how to read and clone data of RFID cards
Data relating to an item is stored on an RFID tag which is attached to the item. Like a bar code, a tag is a data carrier. A bar code carries data in a visible symbol and is read by a bar code scanner using optical or infrared wavelengths. An RFID tag carries data programmed into a small computer chip and operates at a wide range of radio frequencies. So cards from hotels, store clothing tags, credit cards and beyond.
he tag is activated by radio waves emitted from an RFID reader. The reader communicates wirelessly with the tag across what is known as the air-interface. Once activated, the tag sends data stored in its memory relating to the item back to the reader. This data can then be used within and between organisations and trading partners in a secure manner. Well that’s the official version anyway!!!
Now if you are a bit paranoid then you can even get yourself a RFID blocking wallet which blocks hackers trying to read your card data using hidden readers and copiers….Hmm!
Now this is an interesting little tool. A sim card back up tool that can clone and store data for up to 16 SIM cards, Hmm who would use that? What a great backup tool!!!. Personally I am thinking what a great tool for stealing personal information. On the other hand of course this would be a great application for a forensics investigator. Amazing difference in price though, depending on where you go. Prices are anything from 69p ($1) on ebay to £9 on some other sites. What a steal…literally :0)
